Method for real-time streaming of well logging data with self-aligning satellites

ABSTRACT

A method for providing real-time streaming drilling data transmission services using self-aligning satellites. The method can include receiving and transmitting the drilling data using client devices, radio boxes, a processor, a local network, a satellite network, a router and switch, a satellite modem, and self-aligning satellite dishes. The drilling data can be transmitted to a remote network operation center and a remote central server. The remote central server can real-time stream the remote client devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/436,926 filed on Jan. 27,2011, entitled “METHOD FOR REAL-TIME STREAMING OF WELL LOGGING DATA WITHSELF-ALIGNING SATELLITES”. This reference is hereby incorporated in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a method for real-timestreaming of well logging data using self-aligning satellites.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for a method using a self-adjusting and onlineconfigurable satellite communication system to stream drilling data.

A need exists for a method for continuously receiving drilling data fromon-rig client devices and monitors, processing the drilling data at thesite into well logging data, and transmitting the well logging data backto on-rig client devices while simultaneously transmitting to asatellite network for transmission to a central server.

A need exists for a method using a central server to provide a secureconnection and encrypted drilling data and well logs to client devicesthat are not located on the rig, allowing for fast safety decisions,quickly implemented changes in drilling direction, and preventing rigsfrom catching fire, exploding, or causing environmental damage.

A need exists for a method for transmitting drilling data to on-rig andremote client devices quickly and efficiently, allowing for operatorsand remote executives to know a status of the drilling operation inreal-time with streaming data, thereby allowing for fast and efficientdecision making regarding the drilling operations.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts an overview of an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a WITS data storage.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of an encryption module.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a remote central server.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an executive dashboard.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a well log.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an embodiment of an encryption module.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present method in detail, it is to be understoodthat the method is not limited to the particular embodiments and that itcan be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments relate to a method for providing well loggingand drilling data transmission services. The method can includereal-time streaming the drilling data, including associated well loggingdata, from a drilling rig using self-aligning satellites.

The method can include using a secure connection to providecommunication between a plurality of rig based client devices andinterconnected rig based radio boxes.

WITS stands for well site information transfer specification, which canbe a communications format used for the transfer of a wide variety ofwell site data from one computer system to another.

Each rig based client device can include an internet connection, a WITSconnection, a voice over internet protocol phone connection “VoIP”, anda WI-FI™ connection, or combinations thereof.

The method can include receiving and transmitting the drilling data andthe associated well logging data. For example, the rig based clientdevices can receive the drilling data from sensors, monitors,measurement devices, and like instrumentation. The rig based clientdevices can be in direct communication with the sensors, monitors,measurement devices, and like instrumentation. The rig based clientdevices can then transmit the received drilling data, such as throughthe internet connection, WITS connection, voice over internet protocolphone connection, WI-FI™ connection, the like, or combinations thereof.The rig based client devices can transmit the drilling data to theinterconnected rig based radio boxes.

The method can include sending and receiving phone calls using the rigbased client devices along with the internet connection, voice overinternet protocol phone connection, the like, or combinations thereof.The method can include sending and receiving queries over the internet.The method can include sending and receiving communications using theWI-FI™ connection.

The method can include creating a rig based wireless network using theinterconnected rig based radio boxes.

The method can include communicating between the plurality of rig basedclient devices and a rig based processor over the rig based wirelesslocal network to receive and transmit the drilling data and theassociated well logging data.

The method can include using the rig based processor to transmit thedrilling data and the associated well logging data to a satellitenetwork using a rig based router and switch connected to a satellitemodem.

The method can include using a self-aligning satellite dish to receivethe drilling data and the associated well logging data from thesatellite modem and to transmit the drilling data and the associatedwell logging data to the satellite network.

The method can include communicating the drilling data and associatedwell logging data from the satellite network to a remote networkoperation center using an encrypted connection.

The method can include communicating the drilling data and associatedwell logging data from the remote network operation center to a remotecentral server.

The method can include using the remote central server to receive,store, and display in real-time streaming drilling data and associatedwell logging data.

The method can include using the remote central server to activate analarm when the drilling data or associated well logging date exceeds orfalls beneath a preset limit.

The method can include using the remote central server to form anexecutive dashboard of the drilling data or associated well loggingdata. The executive dashboard of drilling data can be used by CEOs,presidents, public affairs officers, safety officers at a locationremote to the rig, or other users and operators to monitor progress andcause change in drilling plans.

The method can include using the remote central server to track drillingprogress on multiple wells. As such, the method can be used to providefor fast responses to situations occurring at multiple drilling rigs.

The method can include using the remote central server to scale thedrilling data. The scaling and the drilling data and the streaming ofthe executive dashboard can occur continuously, and can be updatedcontinuously from continuously received drilling data from the drillingrig.

The method can include using the remote central server to transfer thedrilling data and the associated well logging data to a remote clientdevice.

The method can include using the remote central server to a trackdrilling progress on multiple wells, scale drilling data.

The method can include using the remote central server to generate awell log.

The method can include using the remote central server to perform remotediagnostics and reconfigure software online without taking down thelocal wireless area network.

The method can include using the remote central server to stream thedrilling data, the associated well logging data, the executivedashboard, or combinations thereof to the remote client device fordisplay thereon.

The method can include creating client accounts in the central server.For example, an administrator of the central server can create theclient accounts.

The method can include inputting information on other manned loggingunits into the central server, which can be performed by theadministrator.

The method can include monitoring data traffic to a central polling droppoint for the processor, which can be performed by the administrator.

The method can include monitoring drilling data for use in generating awell log, which can be performed by the administrator.

The method can include monitoring the drilling data for use in storingand displaying as real-time streaming drilling data, which can beperformed by the administrator.

The method can include using a plurality of processors connected inseries to engage the central polling drop point to pick up drilling datafrom other manned logging units to record, store, and post drilling dataprovided from the rig based client device and the rig based processor toa website. The website can be presented by the central server to thenetwork.

One or more embodiments of the method can be implemented using one ormore embodiments of the system disclosed herein.

The system can be used to provide continuous real-time streaming ofdrilling data and well logging data from a drilling rig, such as an oilor gas drilling rig.

The system can provide a unique way to collect, compile, and transmitdrilling data to on-rig and remote client devices, providing a singlecentral server for access of the drilling data by operators and otherusers. The system can be used to provide a single access point fordrilling data acquired from multiple electronic drilling recorderproviders, mud logging providers, and other third party providers frommultiple drilling rigs and/or locations using the central server.

The system can provide WI-FI™, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)telephone communications, and Internet access from a plurality of rigbased client devices on the drilling rig. For example, the system canuse a local area network of radio devices that can be in communicationwith self-aligning satellite dishes and a satellite network. Thesatellite network can provide a secure communication with a centralserver for secure communication to non-rig based remote client devices.As such, the system can be used to receive drilling data and welllogging data from rig based client devices and to transmit the drillingdata to rig based client devices and remote client devices in acontinuous real-time stream.

The system can include a rig based well site information transferspecification “WITS” processor that can be in communication with a WITSdata storage and a power supply, such as a second power supply. The rigbased WITS processor can be configured to: receive the drilling datafrom the plurality of rig based client devices, and form well loggingdata for transmission to rig based client devices and remote clientdevices through a rig based router and switch.

The WITS system, including the rig based WITS processor and the WITSdata storage, can be a multi-level format, and can be used to achieveentry point with higher levels. At lower levels, a fixed format ASCIIdata stream can be used. At higher levels, a self-defining customizabledata stream can be used. A WITS data stream can include discrete datarecords, each of which can be generated independently of other datarecord types, and can have a trigger variable and sampling interval. TheWITS system can include a remote computer system to send instructions toset or change certain parameters, including the type of data transmittedand the interval for transmission. The WITS system can specify a formatfor data transmission, and define a basic set of pre-defined records towhich user-defined record types can be added.

The rig based WITS processor can be used with the local area network andrig based client devices to do on-the-spot compiling of the drillingdata, well logging data, and to provide alarms to operators on thedrilling rig via continuous executive dashboards for operators and/orexecutives. The system can also provide alarms to executives of adrilling company using continuous remote executive dashboards via theself-aligning satellite dishes, satellite network, and encryptedcommunications with a network operations center and a remote centralserver.

The system can provide various benefits including safety benefits,operational benefits, geological benefits, and cost benefits. The safetybenefits can include detecting hydrocarbons and other gasses to preventthe occurrence of explosions, blowouts, poisoning, and other dangeroussituations. The operational benefits can include allowing executives atremote locations to view real-time streaming data and to be enabled tomake timely decisions based on the real-time streaming data. Thegeological benefits can include locating hydrocarbon and gas reservoirs,as well as other geological features. The cost benefits can allowexecutives at remote locations to view real-time streaming data and tobe enabled to make more cost effective decisions based on the real-timestreaming data.

The system can include self-aligning satellites in communication withthe rig based WITS processor for transmitting and receiving the drillingdata and associated well logging data.

In one or more embodiments, the rig based client devices can receivedrilling data from sensors, monitoring devices, or other measurementinstruments, such as chromatographs, mud pumps, mud volume totalizers,mud pit volume totalizers, mud pit monitors, drill switches, gassensors, depth sensors, on-off bottom switches, flame ionizationdetectors, catalytic combustion detectors, thermal conductivitydetectors, infrared gas detectors, other gas detection devices, othergas measuring devices, weight on bit transducers, drilling rig servers,the like, or combinations thereof.

Examples of the drilling data, including the associated well loggingdata, that can be transmitted and received include: hole depth, drillbit depth, lag depth, total gas, methane content, ethane content,propane content, isobutane content, pump pressure, torque, carrier airpressure, casing pressure, fluorescence, drilling mud content, well boredepths, chromatograms, lag time information, rate of penetration intothe wellbore, weight on the drill bit, hook load, stand pipe pressure,pump stroke rate, rotary table speed, mud tank levels, measured depth ofthe wellbore, true vertical depth of the wellbore, measured depth of thedrill bit, true vertical depth of the drill bit, measured depth at whichthe drilling data is received such as a depth of a geological or gassample, gamma ray reading data, resistivity readings, caliber readings,temperature readings, any other data measured during the drilling of awellbore, and other related drilling information.

Each rig based client device can be connected to, or otherwise incommunication with, a power supply, such as an on-rig power supply. Thepower supply can be batteries or another type of on-rig power source.

The rig based client devices can be a client indoor unit (CIDU) made bySelman and Associates, Ltd. of Midland, Tex., or other rig based clientdevices configured to receive and transmit the drilling data from thesensors, monitoring devices, or other measurement instruments using oneor more communication pathways. For example, each rig based clientdevice can have an Internet connection, a WITS connection, a Voice overInternet Protocol phone connection (VoIP), and a WI-FI™ connection forcommunication of the drilling data and the associated well logging data.The WITS connection can be a port for receiving the drilling data andtransferring the drilling data to the rig based WITS processor.

Each rig based client device can be adapted to: receive and transmit thedrilling data and the associated well logging data, send and receivephone calls, send and receive queries over the Internet, send andreceive communications using the WI-FI™ connection, or combinationsthereof. For example, the phone calls can be used to allow a rig manageror operator to call headquarters to update personnel and executives on astatus of drilling operations, to call for help in emergency situations,to request supplies, or the like. Providing for phone calls can beuseful because many drilling rigs are disposed at remote locations wherethere is otherwise no phone service. For example, the Internet can beused by the rig manager, operator, or a drilling supervisor to send andreceive reports, emails, and to access remote databases, such as companydatabases, via the Internet connection. For example, the WI-FI™connection can be by the rig manager, operator, or drilling supervisorto send and receive reports, emails, and to access remote databases,such as company databases, using WI-FI™ enabled portable devices, suchas mobile phones, laptops, netbooks, and the like.

A plurality of rig based radio boxes, such as those made by EngeniusTechnologies of Costa Mesa, Calif., model number EOC5610, can beattached to the drilling rig. When activated, each rig based radio boxcan form a rig based local area network for connecting to andcommunicating with each rig based client device. Each rig based radiobox can have a bidirectional antenna, a receiver, and transmitter forreceiving and transmitting signals. The rig based local area network canbe a wireless network, a wired network, or combinations thereof.

A rig based router and switch can be connected to or otherwise incommunication with the rig based local area network and a second powersupply. An illustrative rig based router and switch can include one madeby D-Link of Fountain Valley, Calif. The second power supply can be arig power supply, such as a generator or a bank of batteries. The rigbased router and switch can be configured to receive and transmitsignals using the rig based local area network. For example, the rigbased router and switch can transmit signals from the rig based localarea network to both the rig based WITS processor and one or moreself-aligning satellite dishes. An illustrative self-aligning satellitedish can include a General Dynamics Sentinel System Model 2985-140. Thesatellite network can include equipment made by HughesNet in combinationwith satellites in orbit.

In operation, the rig based WITS processor can receive the drilling datafrom the rig based client devices. The rig based WITS processor can thenperform compilation of the received drilling data, and can track changesof the received drilling data. For example, compilation of the drillingdata can include collecting the various distinct drilling data points,and storing the drilling data. The tracking of the changes to thedrilling data can include, for example, determining the presence of achange in a data point. For example, if a measured drill bit depth isfirst measured at 2545.3 feet, and then the measured drill bit depth ismeasured at 2545.8 feet, the rig based WITS processor can determine thepresence of a change in that data point. The rig based WITS processorcan be configured to transmit the data point to rig based client devicesand remote client devices only when the presence of a change isdetermined.

The rig based WITS processor can form well logging data for transmissionto the rig based client devices and to the remote client devices usingthe compiled drilling data. For example, the formation of the welllogging data can include forming a table of the compiled drilling data.The drilling data on the table of the compiled drilling data can besimultaneously indexed by measured hole depth, date stamp, and timestamp.

The rig based WITS processor can transmit well logging data and drillingdata directly to the self-aligning satellite dish that are incommunication with a satellite network through the rig based router andswitch.

The WITS data storage can include various computer programs and computerinstructions.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to receive,store, and send the drilling data and the associated well logging data.For example, the WITS data storage can receive the drilling data and theassociated well logging data from the rig based client devices. The WITSdata storage can store drilling data and the associated well loggingdata therein. The WITS data storage can send the drilling data, theassociated well logging data, and other WITS information to remoteclient devices, such as through the satellite network of theself-aligning satellite dish.

The other WITS information can include weather conditions, seaconditions, operator comments, well identification data, vessel motionand mooring status data, an operator name, a well name, Kelly bushingheight of the well bore at the surface, an owner name for the well bore,cell phone numbers, other contact information, and similar information.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to storeconfigurations and settings for the plurality of rig based clientdevices, the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch,or combinations thereof. For example, a configuration of a rig clientdevice can include inputting IP addresses, phone numbers, and serialcommunications port numbers into the rig based client devices.Configuration of the rig based WITS processor and the rig based routerand switch can be similarly performed.

The WITS data storage can contain computer instructions to configure andreconfigure online the rig based processor, the rig based router andswitch, and combinations thereof, while the network is operating withoutshutting the network down.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to performdiagnostics on the plurality of rig based client devices usingdiagnostic tools. For example, the diagnostic tools can includeindicators that can indicate whether or not the rig based client devicesare online, indicators of signal quality from the rig based clientdevices, indicators of ping times, indicators of current IP addresses,indicators of whether or not the rig based client devices capable oftransmitting drilling data, and the like.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to performdiagnostics on the local area network. For example, the diagnostic toolscan include indicators that can indicate whether or not the local areanetwork is online, indicators of signal quality from the local areanetwork, indicators of ping times, indicators of current IP addresses,and the like. The indicators associated with the diagnostic tools can bevisual indicators.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to storeconfigurations and settings for the plurality of rig based clientdevices, the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch,or combinations thereof thereon. For example, the configurations andsetting can include communication port numbers for the rig based clientdevices, IP addresses, a number or type of data points that each rigbased client device is configured to send and receive, or the like.

The WITS data storage can include computer instructions to onlineconfigure and reconfigure the rig based WITS processor, the rig basedrouter and switch, the rig based client devices, or combinations thereofwhile the rig based local area network is operating without shutting therig based local area network down. For example, during operation of therig based local area network, the rig based WITS processor, the rigbased router and switch, and the rig based client devices can beconfigured as described above and can then be reconfigured as describedabove.

A rig based satellite modem can be connected to or otherwise incommunication with the rig based WITS processor, the rig based routerand switch, the second power supply, and the one or more self-aligningsatellite dishes through the satellite network for communication with aremote network operation center.

A remote central server can be positioned at a location apart from therig, such as from about 100 miles to about 2000 miles away from thedrilling rig. The remote central server can be any distance from thedrilling rig.

The remote central server can include one or more central serverprocessors and a central server data storage connected to or otherwisein communication with the one or more central server processors. Adisplay can be associated or in communication with the remote centralserver. Information and other data from the remote central server can bedisplayed on the display and on displays of one or more remote clientdevices.

The central server data storage can have various computer instructionsstored thereon.

The central server data storage can include computer instructions toreceive the well logging data and the drilling data from the rig basedWITS processor. The well logging data and the drilling data can bereceived by the remote central server in real-time using data streamingover the satellite network.

The central server data storage can include computer instructions tostore the received well logging data and the drilling data therein.

The central server data storage can include computer instructions todisplay the well logging data and the drilling data using real-timestreaming. The well logging data and the drilling data can be displayedon the display of the remote central server and on displays of remoteclient devices.

The central server data storage can include computer instructions toactivate an alarm when the drilling data and/or the well logging dataexceeds or falls beneath a preset limit. The preset limit can be a userset preset limit that can be input and stored into the central serverdata storage. For example, a user can set a high threshold limit for thetotal hydrocarbon reading of a wellbore. If the measured totalhydrocarbon reading exceeds the preset limit set by the user then thealarm can be initiated. The alarm can be any audio alarm, visual alarm,or both. Another example of the alarm can be an alarm that indicatesthat too much ethane is detected at the well bore.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions to forman executive dashboard of the drilling data and associated well loggingdata. The executive dashboard can be used by users, such as CEOs,presidents, public affairs officers, safety officers, operators,executives, and other users at a location remote from the drilling rigto monitor progress and to initiate changes in drilling plans. Forexample, the user can monitor the drilling data. The user can initiatechanges to the drilling plans if the user determines that the drillingdata indicates a need for the change. For example, the drilling datamight indicate that a change in a direction of the drilling is required,that a change in the drilling fluid is required, that the drilling needsto be stopped, or the like.

The executive dashboard can display all of the drilling data andassociated well logging data disclosed herein, the name of the well, atime stamp for the data, a view time for the data, WITS information,weather conditions, sea conditions, operator comments, wellidentification data, vessel motion and mooring status data, pump speed,pump rate, composition of gasses coming from the wellbore, type of rockin the formation, and the like. The executive dashboard can present thedata graphically and digitally.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions to trackdrilling progress on multiple wells simultaneously. For example, theremote central server can use the computer instructions on the centralserver data storage to track the various drilling data from multipledrilling rigs simultaneously. A user can track the drilling data usingthe executive dashboard.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions forscaling of drilling data.

An example of scaling of drilling data, with a depth as the y-axis and adata value as the x-axis, can include changing a magnitude of the datavalue on the x-axis to match a scale to allow at least most of the datavalues to reside within the scaling for the entirety of the well log.For example, scaling can include fitting drilling data on a graph'sx-axis by dividing each value by 100, making a graph that is scaled0-to-100. Any value less than 100 on the scale will show up in thegraph.

In one or more embodiments, if a data value exceeds the maximum point onthe scale, the data value can appear on the scale with a visualindicator, indicating that the data value is equivalent to its positionon the scale plus the maximum value of the scale. For example, if themaximum on the scale is 100, and the data value is 112, the data valuecan appear as 12 on the scale with a visual indication that the datavalue has gone over-scale, thereby indicating that the data value isactually 112.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions fortransferring drilling data and well logging data to remote clientdevices. The remote client devices can be client devices that are notlocated at the drilling rig.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions togenerate a well log using the drilling data. For example, the computerinstructions to generate a well log by forming a well log table and byforming a graphical representation of the drilling data. For example,the computer instructions can plot drilling time, plot drilling depth,plot pump pressure, plot torque on the well drilling equipment, plotcasing pressure, plot rotary table revolutions per minute, plot mud pitvolume, perform mud pit totalizing, display total hydrocarbon readings,display the drilling data, the associated well logging data, orcombinations thereof. All of the data and plotted data in the centralserver data storage can be compiled and presented on the executivedashboard as the well log.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions toperform diagnostics on drilling rig based equipment and drilling rigbased software. For example, an administrator can perform thediagnostics. The performance of diagnostics can include the same of thediagnostics of that described above with respect to the rig based WITSprocessor and WITS data storage, with the ability to configure remotely.

The central server data storage can have computer instructions toreconfigure the drilling rig based equipment and the drilling rigsoftware on-line without taking down or shutting off all or a portion ofthe rig based local area network. For example, while at least a portionof the rig based local area network is running, the remote centralserver can use the computer instructions thereon to reconfigure thedrilling rig based equipment and the drilling rig software by in amanner substantially similar as described above with respect to the rigbased WITS processor and WITS data storage, but from a remote location.The drilling rig based equipment can include the rig based clientdevices, the rig based WITS processor, the rig based radio boxes, theself-aligning satellite dish, the rig based satellite modem, the rigbased local area network, the rig based router and switch, and the like.The drilling rig software can be any software that is operating thedrilling rig based equipment and is directly or indirectly accessiblethrough the satellite network.

The system can include an encrypted connection providing a secureconnection between the remote network operation center and the remotecentral server. The encrypted connection can be formed using encryptionsoftware. The encryption software can include symmetric encryption,asymmetric encryption, such as RSA encryption, or combinations thereof.The encryption module can include computer instructions to provide asecurity certificate verifiable by a trusted third party. For example,an RSA encryption with security certificates verifiable by a trustedthird party, such as VERISIGN™, can be used.

The encryption module can be installed in the remote central server andthe central data storage to provide an encrypted communication betweenthe remote network operation center and the remote central server, andto provide secure communication between users with remote client devicesand the remote central server.

In one or more embodiments, the encryption module can include computerinstructions to form a secure log-in. For example, the secure log-in canbe formed by requiring a user name and password to access the remotecentral server. The encryption module can encrypt any transmission ofthe required user name and password.

The encryption module can include computer instructions to verify thelog-in. For example, the log-in can be verified by comparing a receiveduser name and password with authorized user name and passwords stored inthe remote central server data storage. The encryption module can ensurethat the user associated with the user name and password is authorizedto access particular data in the central server, and is authorized toperform particular actions in the central server.

The encryption module can include computer instructions to encryptdrilling data with a symmetric data encryption algorithm. For example,the drilling data can be encrypted using a key and a cipher algorithm toencrypt and decrypt the drilling data.

At least one remote client device can be connected to or otherwise incommunication with a network, such as the Internet, a cellular network,or any other communications network. The remote client device cancommunicate with the remote central server. Each remote client devicecan be a laptop, desktop computer, mobile phone, personal digitalassistant, netbook, or the like. Each remote client device can beconfigured to receive data from the remote central server in a real-timestream, including the drilling data, associated well logging data, thewell log, and the executive dashboard. For example, the remote clientdevices can receive and present the data on a web browser. As such,users can remotely view the executive dashboard of the drilling data andthe well logging data.

In one or more embodiments, the remote network operations center can bea virtual network operations center that is run from additional serversconnected to the network. Also, a virtual network operations center canbe used in conjunction with a physical remote network operations center.

In one or more embodiments, the network can be a combination of at leasttwo networks. The network can be a satellite network, the Internet, acellular network, a fiber optic network, another wired network, acategory 5e network, another wireless network, a WI-FI™ network, orcombinations thereof.

Each power supply can be a plurality of batteries, a bank of batteries,a wind generator, a solar array, a rig generated power supply, oranother power supply.

In one or more embodiments, the remote central server can include aplurality of processors, such as from about 2 processors to about 20processors, that can be connected in parallel or series to a switch, thecentral server data storage, and a third power supply.

The plurality of processors can use the central polling drop point topick up drilling data from other manned logging units, record thedrilling data, store the drilling data, and post the drilling dataprovided from the rig based client devices and the other manned loggingunits. The central polling drop point can be a folder or directoryaccessible via a file transfer protocol (FTP) server, a folder ordirectory that is accessible via a website using various HTTP protocolsor instructions, or the like. The other manned logging units can bemobile field laboratories that create hydrocarbon well logs viaautomatic processes and/or manual analysis. The drilling data can betransmitted to the rig based WITS processor, rig based client devices,the remote client devices, and to a website presented by the centralserver. The website can be streamed through the network for presentationon web browsers of the remote client devices. The plurality ofprocessors can increase efficiency, speed, and reliability of thesystem.

In one or more embodiments, the central server can have client accountsstored therein. The client accounts can include user names, passwords,names, and contact information for each user.

In one or more embodiments, the central server can have informationinput therein. The information can include information and data receivedfrom the other manned logging units, including information about thewellbores, well header information, such as operator names, locationinformation, well names, and the like.

In one or more embodiments, the central server can monitor, or can beused to monitor, data traffic to the central polling drop point for thecenter server processor. For example, monitoring the data traffic to thecentral polling drop point can include identifying when new files arriveto a folder or directory, and transferring that new data to at least oneof the center server processors for storage and filing. Monitoring thedata traffic can include compiling the data with existing data inalready existing folders or directories.

In one or more embodiments, the central server can monitor, or be usedto monitor, drilling data for use in generating the well log and storingand displaying the drilling data as a real-time stream. The monitoringof the drilling data for use in storing and displaying as real-timestreaming drilling data can include determining a presence of a changein the drilling data for real-time streaming of the drilling data.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of the system at adrilling rig 9.

Two rig based client devices 10 a and 10 b can each have an internetconnection 13 a and 13 b, a WITS connection 15 a and 15 b, a VoIPconnection 17 a and WI-FI™ connection 21 a and 21 b. As such, each rigbased client device 10 a and 10 b can have multiple communicationchannels for receipt and transmission of drilling data 8 and for othercommunications.

Each rig based client device 10 a and 10 b can be in communication withfirst power supplies 11 a and 11 b for receipt of power therefrom.

Each rig based client device 10 a and 10 b can be in communication withone of a first rig based radio box 14 a and/or a second rig based radiobox 14 b. At least one of the rig based radio boxes, such as the secondrig based radio box 14 b, can be connected to one of the first powersupplies, such as the first power supply 11 b.

A third rig based radio box 14 c can be connected to or in communicationwith one or both of the first and second rig based radio boxes 14 a and14 b. The combination of the first, second, and third rib based radioboxes 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c can form a rig based local area network 16.

A rig based router and switch 18 can be in communication with the rigbased local area network 16, a rig based satellite modem 40, and a rigbased WITS processor 20.

The rig based WITS processor 20 can be in communication with a WITS datastorage 22, which can be a flash drive, a hard drive, a disc drive, oranother form of data storage.

A second power supply 19 can be connected to the rig based WITSprocessor 20, the rig based router and switch 18, and the rig basedsatellite modem 40 for supplying power thereto.

The rig based satellite modem 40 can be in bidirectional communicationwith a self-aligning satellite dish 38. The self-aligning satellite dish38 can be in communication with a satellite network 42. The satellitenetwork 42 can be in communication with a first manned logging unit 88a, a second manned logging unit 88 b, and a network operations center44.

The network operations center 44 can be located remote from the drillingrig 9. The network operations center 44 can be in communication with avirtual network operations center 45.

An encrypted connection 63 can provide encrypted communication betweenthe network operations center 44 and a remote central server 46. Theremote central server 46 can be in communication with a first network 62a and a second network 62 b. The first and second networks 62 a and 62 bcan be cellular networks, the Internet, or other networks disclosedherein.

Three remote client devices 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c can be in communicationwith the first network 62 a, the second network 62 b, or combinationsthereof.

In operation, the rig based client devices 10 a and 10 b can receive thedrilling data 8 from sensors, monitors, measurement devices, and othersuch instruments used for collecting data on the drilling rig 9, such asfrom a sensor 71. The rig based client devices 10 a and 10 b cantransmit the drilling data 8 to the rig based radio boxes 14 a, 14 b,and 14 c through the rig based local area network 16.

The rig based radio boxes 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c can transmit the drillingdata 8 to the rig based router and switch 18 through the rig based localarea network 16. The rig based router and switch 18 can transmit thedrilling data 8 to the WITS data storage 22, such as by communicationwith the rig based WITS processor 20. The drilling data 8 can then bestored on the WITS data storage 22.

The rig based WITS processor 20 can use one or more computerinstructions in the WITS data storage 22 to form well logging data fortransmission to the remote client devices 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c throughthe rig based router switch 18 and the satellite network 42. The rigbased WITS processor 20 can use one or more computer instructions in theWITS data storage 22 to transmit the drilling data 8 through the rigbased router and switch 18 to the rig based satellite modem 40. The rigbased satellite modem 40 can transmit the drilling data 8 to theself-aligning satellite dish 38 and through the satellite network 42 tothe network operations center 44.

The network operations center 44 can receive the drilling data 8 fromthe self-aligning satellite dish 38 and other drilling data from themanned logging units 88 a and 88 b. The network operations center 44 cantransmit the received drilling data 8 from the self-aligning satellitedish 38 and other drilling data from the manned logging units 88 a and88 b to the remote central server 46.

The remote central server 46 can receive, compile, and store thereceived drilling data 8. The remote central server 46 can performvarious tasks and operations on the drilling data 8 using the variouscomputer instructions stored on a central data storage. For example, theremote central server 46 can form an executive dashboard and a well logof the drilling data 8 for presentation to user. The remote centralserver 46 can transmit the drilling data 8 through the first and secondnetworks 62 a and 62 b to a plurality of remote client devices, such asthe remote client devices 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c. As such, remote userscan receive real-time streaming drilling data 8 on an executivedashboard from a remote location from the drilling rig 9. The remotecentral server 46 can activate an alarm 33 if the drilling data 8exceeds or falls below a preset limit.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the WITS data storage 22.

The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to receive,store, and send the drilling data and the associated well logging data24.

The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to storeconfigurations and settings for the plurality of rig based clientdevices, the rig based WITS processor, the rig based router and switch,or combinations thereof 26.

The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to performdiagnostics on the plurality of rig based client devices usingdiagnostic tools 27.

The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to onlineconfigure and reconfigure the rig based WITS processor, the rig basedrouter and switch, the rig based client devices, or combinations thereofwhile the rig based wireless local area network is operating withoutshutting the rig based wireless local area network down 28.

The WITS data storage 22 can include computer instructions to performdiagnostics on the rig based wireless local area network 30.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the encryption module 70, which caninclude computer instructions to form a secure log-in 72, computerinstructions to verify the secure log-in 74, computer instructions toprovide a security certificate verifiable by a trusted third party 76,and computer instructions in the encryption module to encrypt thedrilling data with a symmetric data encryption algorithm 78.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a remote central server 46. The remotecentral server 46 can include a plurality of central server processors47 a, 47 b, 47 c and 47 d connected in parallel to a switch 80. Theplurality of central server processors 47 a, 47 b, 47 c and 47 d can beconnected to two different power supplies 82 a and 82 b.

The remote central server 46 can include a central server data storage49 with a central polling drop point 84, computer instructions forpresenting a website 86, and the encryption module 70.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions toreceive the drilling data and the well logging data from the rig basedWITS processor, and to store and display the drilling data and the welllogging data using real-time streaming 48.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions toactivate an alarm when the drilling data and/or the well logging dataexceeds or falls beneath a preset limit 50.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions toform an executive dashboard of the drilling data and the well loggingdata 52.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions totrack drilling progress on multiple wells simultaneously 53.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions forscaling of the drilling data 54.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions fortransferring the drilling data to remote client devices 56.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions togenerate a well log using the drilling data 58.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions toperform diagnostics on drilling rig based equipment and drilling rigbased software 60.

The central server data storage 49 can include computer instructions toreconfigure the drilling rig based equipment and the drilling rigsoftware on-line without taking down or shutting off all or a portion ofthe rig based wireless local area network 61.

FIG. 5 depicts a segment of an executive dashboard 500 that can beviewed by operators, executives, and the like.

The executive dashboard 500 can include a graphical representation ofdrilling data 508, a representation of calibrated drilling data relatedto flow rates 506, an acquired drilling data section 507, a calibratedpump data section 518, a calibrated draw works section 520, a graphicalrepresentation of chromatograph data 522, an alarm set section 542, andan acquired chromatograph data section 524. The acquired chromatographdata section 524 can display important voltage parameters for achromatograph monitoring device acquiring the drilling data.

The executive dashboard 500 can also include operator data tracksections 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, and 504 d. The operator data tracksections 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, and 504 d can display calibrated drillingdata associated with one or more drilling operations. For example, theoperator data track sections 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, and 504 d can displayhydrocarbon data, pump data, or other drilling data.

The alarm set section 542 can include a section for an operator to inputor select alarm criteria. For example, the operator can set a low valuealarm point, a high value alarm point, or both. As such, if drillingdata reaches one of the alarm points an alarm can be issued.

FIG. 6 depicts a display of a well log 850 that can be presented on aremote client device as live stream data. The remote client device candisplay various drilling data, calibrated data, or combinations thereoffor one or more drilling operations in a real-time stream. The drillingdata can be displayed using a plurality of digital data displays 810.The plurality of digital displays 810 can include a current data displayarea 812 showing a currently measured data point, a units section 830showing the unit associated with the currently measured data point, anda name section 820. The name section 830 can identify the propertyassociated with the drilling data related to the currently measured datapoint.

The remote client device can various portions of the drilling datadisclosed herein, such as hole depth, bit depth, lag depth, total gas,methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, nor-butane, drill rate, hook load,pump pressure, pump stroke rate, lag strokes, torque, carrier pressure,vendor name or number, temperature, flow rate, fuel level, a wellboreidentification number to identify the wellbore being monitored, and thelike.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict an embodiment of a method for providing well loggingand drilling data transmission services.

The method can include using a secure connection to providecommunication between a plurality of rig based client devices andinterconnected rig based radio boxes, as illustrated by box 1000.

The method can include providing communication between the rig basedclient devices and sensors, monitoring devices, measurement instruments,or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1001.

The method can include performing at least one of: receiving andtransmitting the drilling data and the associated well logging data,sending and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving queries overthe internet, and sending and receiving communications using the WI-FI™connection, as illustrated by box 1002.

The method can include using the rig based client devices to receive thedrilling data from the sensors, monitoring devices, measurementinstruments, or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1003.

The method can include creating a rig based wireless network using theinterconnected rig based radio boxes, as illustrated by box 1004.

The method can include communicating between the plurality of rig basedclient devices and a rig based processor over the rig based wirelesslocal network to receive and transmit the drilling data and theassociated well logging data, as illustrated by box 1006.

The method can include using the rig based processor to transmit thedrilling data and the associated well logging data to a satellitenetwork using a rig based router and switch connected to a satellitemodem, as illustrated by box 1008.

The method can include using a self-aligning satellite dish to receivethe drilling data and the associated well logging data from thesatellite modem and to transmit the drilling data and the associatedwell logging data to the satellite network, as illustrated by box 1010.

The method can include real-time streaming the drilling data includingassociated well logging data from the drilling rig using self-aligningsatellites, as illustrated by box 1012

The method can include communicating the drilling data and associatedwell logging data from the satellite network to a remote networkoperation center using an encrypted connection, as illustrated by box1014.

The method can include communicating the drilling data and associatedwell logging data from the remote network operation center to a remotecentral server, as illustrated by box 1016.

The method can include using the remote central server to receive,store, and display in real-time streaming drilling data and associatedwell logging data, as illustrated by box 1018.

The method can include using the remote central server to activate analarm when the drilling data or associated well logging date exceeds orfalls beneath a preset limit, as illustrated by box 1020.

The method can include using the remote central server to form anexecutive dashboard of the drilling data or associated well loggingdata, as illustrated by box 1022.

The method can include using the remote central server to track drillingprogress on multiple wells, as illustrated by box 1024.

The method can include using the remote central server to scale thedrilling data, as illustrated by box 1026.

The method can include using the remote central server to transfer thedrilling data and the associated well logging data a remote clientdevice, as illustrated by box 1028.

The method can include using the remote central server to a trackdrilling progress on multiple wells, scale drilling data, andcombinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1030.

The method can include using the remote central server to generate awell log, as illustrated by box 1032.

The method can include using the remote central server to perform remotediagnostics and reconfigure software online without taking down thelocal wireless area network, as illustrated by box 1034.

The method can include using the remote central server to stream thedrilling data, the associated well logging data, the executivedashboard, or combinations thereof to the remote client device fordisplay thereon, as illustrated by box 1036.

The method can include creating client accounts in the central server,as illustrated by box 1038.

The method can include inputting information on other manned loggingunits, as illustrated by box 1040.

The method can include monitoring data traffic to a central polling droppoint for the processor, as illustrated by box 1042.

The method can include monitoring drilling data for use in generating awell log, as illustrated by box 1044.

The method can include monitoring the drilling data for use in storingand displaying as real-time streaming drilling data, as illustrated bybox 1046.

The method can include using a virtual network operations center as thenetwork operations center, as illustrated by box 1048.

The method can include using a virtual network operations center withthe network operations center, as illustrated by box 1050.

The method can include using at least two connected networks as thenetwork, as illustrated by box 1052.

The method can include using an encryption module to provide anencrypted communication between the network operation center and thecentral server, and secure communication from a user with a clientdevice or a rig based client device, as illustrated by box 1054.

The method can include forming a secure log-in, verifying the securelog-in, and providing a security certificate verifiable by a trustedthird party, as illustrated by box 1056.

The method can include encrypting drilling data with a symmetric dataencryption algorithm, as illustrated by box 1058.

The method can include using a plurality of processors connected inseries in the central server to engage a central polling drop point topick up drilling data from other manned logging units to record, store,and post drilling data provided from the rig based client device and therig based processor to a website, wherein the website is presented bythe central server to the network, as illustrated by box 1060.

The method can include presenting data on the executive dashboard,wherein the data includes: the drilling data and the associated welllogging data, a name of the wellbore, a time stamp for the drillingdata, a view time for the drilling data, WITS information, weatherconditions, sea conditions, operator comments, wellbore identificationdata, vessel motion and mooring status data, pump revolutions perminute, composition of gasses coming from the wellbore, type of rock ina formation, or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box 1062.

The method can include presenting the data on the executive dashboardgraphically, digitally, or combinations thereof, as illustrated by box1064.

The method can include compiling the drilling data, and tracking changesin the drilling data, as illustrated by box 1066.

The method can include forming the well logging data by forming a tableof the compiled drilling data indexed by measured hole depth, datestamp, and time stamp, as illustrated by box 1068.

The method can include configuring each remote client device to receivethe drilling data from the remote central server in a real-time stream,as illustrated by box 1070.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing well logging and drillingdata transmission services and for real-time streaming the drilling dataincluding associated well logging data from a drilling rig usingself-aligning satellites, the method comprising: a. securely connectingfor communication between: (i) a plurality of rig based client devices,wherein each rig based client device comprises an Internet connection, awell site information transfer specification “WITS” connection, a Voiceover Internet Protocol phone connection, and a WI-FI™ connection; and(ii) interconnected rig based radio boxes; b. performing by theplurality of rig based client devices: (i) receiving and transmittingthe drilling data and the associated well logging data; (ii) sending andreceiving phone calls; (iii) sending and receiving queries over theInternet; and (iv) sending and receiving communications using the WI-FI™connection; c. creating a wireless rig based local area network usingthe interconnected rig based radio boxes; d. communicating between theplurality of rig based client devices and a rig based WITS processorover the rig based local area network to receive and transmit thedrilling data and the associated well logging data; e. transmitting thedrilling data and the associated well logging data from the WITS rigbased processor to a satellite network using a rig based router andswitch connected to a satellite modem; f. receiving the drilling dataand the associated well logging data from the satellite modem connectedto a self-aligning satellite dish and to transmit the drilling data andthe associated well logging data to the satellite network; g.communicating the drilling data and associated well logging data fromthe satellite network to a remote network operation center using anencrypted connection; h. communicating the drilling data and associatedwell logging data from the remote network operation center to a remotecentral server with a central server processor and a central server datastorage the remote central server in communication with a plurality ofremote client devices; and i. performing by the remote central serverprocessor to: (i) receive, store, and display in real-time streaming thedrilling data and the associated well logging data; (ii) form anexecutive dashboard of the drilling data and the associated well loggingdata for display on the remote central server device or on the displayof one of the plurality of remote client devices; (iii) scale thedrilling data; (iv) transfer the drilling data and the associated welllogging data to at least one of the plurality of remote client devices;(v) generate a well log; and (vi) stream the drilling data, theassociated well logging data, the executive dashboard, the well log, tothe remote client device for display thereon and perform at least oneof:
 1. activate an alarm when the drilling data or the associated welllogging date exceeds or falls beneath a preset limit;
 2. track drillingprogress on multiple wells; and
 3. perform remote diagnostics andreconfigure software online without taking down the rig based local areanetwork.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: a. creatingclient accounts in the remote central server; b. inputting informationon other manned logging units into the remote central server; c.monitoring data traffic to a central polling drop point of the remotecentral server; d. monitoring the drilling data for use in generatingthe well log; and e. monitoring the drilling data for use in storing anddisplaying the drilling data as real-time streaming drilling data. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising using a virtual networkoperations center as the remote network operations center or using thevirtual network operations center with the remote network operationscenter.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising using a network totransmit the drilling data, the associated well logging data, theexecutive dashboard, the well log, or combinations thereof to the remoteclient device for display thereon.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thenetwork is a satellite network, the Internet, a cellular network, afiber optic network, another wired network, a category 5e network,another wireless network, a WI-FI™ network, or combinations thereof. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising using an encryption module ina data storage of the remote central server to provide: a. an encryptedcommunication between the remote network operation center and the remotecentral server; and b. secure communication from a user with the remoteclient device or one of the plurality of rig based client devices. 7.The method of claim 6, further comprising forming a secure log-in,verifying the secure log-in, and providing a security certificateverifiable by a trusted third party for the user.
 8. The method of claim1, further comprising encrypting the drilling data with a symmetric dataencryption algorithm.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising usinga power supply to power components at the drilling rig, wherein thepower supply is a plurality of batteries, a bank of batteries, a windgenerator, a solar array, or a rig generated power supply.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the remote central server comprises aplurality of processors connected in parallel to a switch, to a datastorage, and to a power supply.
 11. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising using the plurality of processors connected in parallel to:a. engage a central polling drop point to pick up other drilling datafrom other manned logging units; and b. record, store, and post thedrilling data provided from the plurality of rig based client devicesand the other drilling data provided from the other manned logging unitsto a website, wherein the website is presented by the remote centralserver through a network to the remote client device.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: a. providing communication between theplurality of rig based client devices and sensors, monitoring devices,measurement instruments, or combinations thereof; and b. using theplurality of rig based client devices to receive the drilling data fromthe sensors, monitoring devices, measurement instruments, orcombinations thereof.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensors,monitoring devices, and measurement instruments comprise:chromatographs, mud pumps, mud volume tantalizers, mud pit volumetantalizers, mud pit monitors, drill switches, gas sensors, depthsensors, on-off bottom switches, flame ionization detectors, catalyticcombustion detectors, thermal conductivity detectors, infrared gasdetectors, other gas detection devices, other gas measuring devices,weight on bit transducers, drill rig servers, or combinations thereof.14. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilling data comprises: holedepth, drill bit depth, lag depth, total gas, methane content, ethanecontent, propane content, isobutene content, pump pressure, torque,carrier pressure, casing pressure, fluorescence, drilling mud content,well bore depths, chromatograms, lag time information, rate ofpenetration into the wellbore, weight on the drill bit, hook load, standpipe pressure, pump stroke rate, rotary table speed, mud tank levels,measured depth of the wellbore, true vertical depth of the wellbore,measured depth of the drill bit, true vertical depth of the drill bit,measured depth at which the drilling data is received such as a depth ofa geological or gas sample, gamma ray reading data, resistivityreadings, caliber readings, temperature readings, any other datameasured during the drilling of a wellbore, other related drillinginformation, or combinations thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising presenting data on the executive dashboard, wherein the dataincludes: the drilling data, the associated well logging data, a name ofthe wellbore, a time stamp for the drilling data, a view time for thedrilling data, WITS information, weather conditions, sea conditions,operator comments, wellbore identification data, vessel motion andmooring status data, pump strokes per minute, composition of gassescoming from the wellbore, type of rock in a formation, or combinationsthereof.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising presenting thedata on the executive dashboard graphically, digitally, or combinationsthereof.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the encrypted connectionincludes symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, RSA encryption, orcombinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprisingconfiguring the remote client device to receive the drilling data fromthe remote central server in a real-time stream.
 19. The method of claim1, further comprising compiling the drilling data, and tracking changesin the drilling data.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingforming the well logging data by forming a table of the compileddrilling data indexed by measured hole depth, date stamp, and timestamp.